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Auto News for Sept. 8

If you are reading this column while enjoying a cup of your favorite brew, here’s a headline from this morning’s Portland (Me.) Press Herald. “Caffeine evolved as a bug repellent.”

The newspaper also reminded us that New England’s fall foliage season is nearing. My favorite car to see the show would be a MX-5 Miata on Vermont’s incredible Route 7 from south to north and on day two, south on Route 100. They are the best routes to see the Green Mountain state’s fall show at its finest.

GM’s Mary Barra announced that in 2017 a Cadillac will offer an advanced driver assist technology called “Super Cruise” that “will make driving safer.” It will offer hands-off lane following, braking and speed control in certain highway driving conditions. The 2017 CTS will offer vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology sending and receiving basic safety information such as location, speed and direction of travel between vehicles that are approaching each other. “Advancing technology so that people can more safely live their lives is a responsibility we embrace,” Barra said. It could alert drivers that a car as much as five vehicles ahead of them has suddenly braked, and that’s good to know!

An Italian newspaper has reported that the head of Ferrari might be leaving to run Alitalia Airlines. But Sergio Marchionne, the head Fiat, Ferrari’s parent company, said Luca Cordero di Montezemolo is not going anywhere. However, he added that Ferrari must improve its record in Formula One racing, something Marchionne called unacceptable. It is fourth in team standings.

Kia says its Forte sedan has earned a top 5-Star Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.